Rechargeable Vibe FAQ
Q: You seem to carry a number of rechargeable vibrators. What's the difference between them?
A: We've got a nice range of rechargeable vibes! They range in size, price and "frequency", otherwise known as "strength". They also have different battery formats and interestingly enough, that is what sets one apart from the other! The three main battery formats are Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), Ni-MH, and Ni-Cd.
In our current line of vibrators, here's a rundown of what vibe uses what battery:
Ideal -- Runs on a Ni-MH rechargeable battery. It takes 10 hours to charge initially then runs for approximately 1 hr. To recharge it takes 5 hours. It is suggested that after use the toy gets plugged into its charger so that it's ready for the next run!
Synergy -- Runs on Ni-Cd Battery. Takes 8 hours to charge initially then runs for approximately 60-90 minutes. To recharge it takes 4-5 hours. It should be drained before it gets recharged.
Lelo -- Runs on a Li-Ion Battery. Takes 4-5 hours to charge and then runs for approximately 7 hours. They can hold a charge for around 90 days and can be plugged in whenever you care to plug it in... much like a cell phone!
We're not trying to play favourites but there is one battery format that has several advantages over the others-- Lithium-Ion batteries.... the ones found in our Lelo line! They have a higher energy density than most other types of rechargeables. This means that for their size or weight they can store more energy than other rechargeable batteries. They also operate at higher voltages than other rechargeables, typically about 3.7 volts for Li-Ion versus 1.2 volts for NiMH or NiCd. This means a single cell can often be used rather than multiple NiMH or NiCd cells.
Lithium-ion batteries also have a lower self discharge rate than other types of rechargeable batteries. This means that once they are charged they will retain their charge for a longer time than other types of rechargeable batteries. NiMH and NiCd batteries can lose anywhere from 1-5% of their charge per day (depending on the storage temperature) even if they are not installed in a device. Li-Ion batteries will retain most of their charge even after months of storage! In summary, Li-Ion batteries can be smaller or lighter, have a higher voltage, and hold a charge much longer than other types of batteries!
Their only downside seems to be their price since they are much more complex to manufacture. They are manufactured in much smaller numbers than NiMH or NiCd batteries, also contributing to their higher cost … though we have a hard time seeing cost as a downside since you truly do "get what you pay for"! Li-Ion batteries actually include special circuitry to protect the battery from damage due to overcharging or undercharging. The battery chargers are also sophisticated (read: more expensive but because of added value, unlike say a higher cost just because of a "designer" label.) to manufacture since they are designed to carefully monitor the charge process and to accommodate the battery's particular shape and size. Adding to that, they're not yet available in standard cell sizes (AA, C and D) like NiMH and NiCd batteries are. But buck up! Like any other wondrous invention, Li-Ion batteries are gaining popularity which will hopefully see them becoming more mainstream and subsequently, less expensive.
In the meantime, battery format is just one option to look at when selecting a rechargeable vibe. There's a right type for everyone…. What's yours?